A large silk appliqué wall hanging depicting Yama, late 18th century, Tibet

The dark blue figure of Yama, 'The God of Death' dominates the centre of this wall hanging. Having been defeated by the great bodhisattva, Manjusri - in his manifestation as Yamantaka, 'The Conqueror of Death', Yama became a Dharmapala. He is a ferocious protector of the Dharma (Buddhist teachings), and he acts as the judge of the dead - deciding in which realm of rebirth they will reside, depending on their karma. In this important role, he is also known as Dharmaraja or 'Dharma King'. Yama is often depicted with a buffalo head; however, in human form, he can be identified by the dharmachakra or 'wheel of the law' depicted on his chest.

The terrifying deity is wreathed in a garland of severed heads and wears a crown of skulls. Holding a chopper in his right hand and a kapala (ritual scull bowl) in the left, Yama is surrounded by flames and crushes a prostrate figure beneath his feet; in this aspect, he is called Snag-sgrub. Lined up in a row underneath him, four 'assistants' - represented as buffalo-headed Yamas and depicted in four different colours - each trample upon a buffalo lying on top of a crushed and prostrate figure. Towards the top of the hanging, two further images of these wrathful assistants flank three seated Tibetan Lamas above Yama's flaming aureole.

This appliqué work is created from a wide variety of 18th century silk textiles including a selection woven with gold and silver thread. Details such as facial expressions and outlines are formed by stitching silk cords into place over these colourful fabrics - creating a dynamic, powerful and intense composition.

Dimensions: 252 cm x 182 cm

Similar examples of silk appliqué wall hangings: 'Asian Art at the Norton Simon Museum', Volume 2: Art of the Himalayas and China, by Pratapaditya Pal, Yale University Press in association with The Norton Simon Art Foundation - figure 135.

'Wisdom and Compassion: The Sacred Art of Tibet', Expanded Edition, by Marylin M. Rhie and Robert A.F. Thurman, Tibet House New York in association with Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers - figure 213 (96d).